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Qiu Y, Ashok A, Nguyen CC, Yamauchi Y, Do TN, Phan HP. Integrated Sensors for Soft Medical Robotics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308805. [PMID: 38185733 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Minimally invasive procedures assisted by soft robots for surgery, diagnostics, and drug delivery have unprecedented benefits over traditional solutions from both patient and surgeon perspectives. However, the translation of such technology into commercialization remains challenging. The lack of perception abilities is one of the obstructive factors paramount for a safe, accurate and efficient robot-assisted intervention. Integrating different types of miniature sensors onto robotic end-effectors is a promising trend to compensate for the perceptual deficiencies in soft robots. For example, haptic feedback with force sensors helps surgeons to control the interaction force at the tool-tissue interface, impedance sensing of tissue electrical properties can be used for tumor detection. The last decade has witnessed significant progress in the development of multimodal sensors built on the advancement in engineering, material science and scalable micromachining technologies. This review article provides a snapshot on common types of integrated sensors for soft medical robots. It covers various sensing mechanisms, examples for practical and clinical applications, standard manufacturing processes, as well as insights on emerging engineering routes for the fabrication of novel and high-performing sensing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Qiu
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Aditya Ashok
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - Chi Cong Nguyen
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Yusuke Yamauchi
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Thanh Nho Do
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Hoang-Phuong Phan
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
- Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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Wang J, Ninan N, Nguyen NH, Nguyen MT, Sahu R, Nguyen TT, Mierczynska-Vasilev A, Vasilev K, Truong VK, Tang Y. Biomimetic Bacterium-like Particles Loaded with Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizers as Plasma Coatings for Implant-Associated Infections. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:18449-18458. [PMID: 38578282 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Developing novel antibacterial strategies has become an urgent requisite to overcome the increasing pervasiveness of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and the advent of biofilms. Aggregation-induced emission-based photosensitizers (AIE PSs) are promising candidates due to their unique photodynamic and photothermal properties. Bioengineering structure-inherent AIE PSs for developing thin film coatings is still an unexplored area in the field of nanoscience. We have adopted a synergistic approach combining plasma technology and AIE PS-based photodynamic therapy to develop coatings that can eradicate bacterial infections. Here, we loaded AIE PSs within biomimetic bacterium-like particles derived from a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus fermentum. These hybrid conjugates are then immobilized on polyoxazoline-coated substrates to develop a bioinspired coating to fight against implant-associated infections. These coatings could selectively kill Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but not damage mammalian cells. The mechanistic studies revealed that the coatings can generate reactive oxygen species that can rupture the bacterial cell membranes. The mRNA gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines confirmed that they can modulate infection-related immune responses. Thus, this nature-inspired design has opened a new avenue for the fabrication of a next-generation antibacterial coating to reduce infections and associated burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Wang
- Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Medical Device Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Neethu Ninan
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ngoc Huu Nguyen
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Manh Tuong Nguyen
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Resmarani Sahu
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Tien Thanh Nguyen
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Agnieszka Mierczynska-Vasilev
- The Australian Wine Research Institute, Waite Precinct, Hartley Grove cnr Paratoo Road, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Medical Device Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
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Li Y, Meng Q, Chen S, Ling P, Kuss MA, Duan B, Wu S. Advances, challenges, and prospects for surgical suture materials. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:78-112. [PMID: 37516417 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
As one of the long-established and necessary medical devices, surgical sutures play an essentially important role in the closing and healing of damaged tissues and organs postoperatively. The recent advances in multiple disciplines, like materials science, engineering technology, and biomedicine, have facilitated the generation of various innovative surgical sutures with humanization and multi-functionalization. For instance, the application of numerous absorbable materials is assuredly a marvelous progression in terms of surgical sutures. Moreover, some fantastic results from recent laboratory research cannot be ignored either, ranging from the fiber generation to the suture structure, as well as the suture modification, functionalization, and even intellectualization. In this review, the suture materials, including natural or synthetic polymers, absorbable or non-absorbable polymers, and metal materials, were first introduced, and then their advantages and disadvantages were summarized. Then we introduced and discussed various fiber fabrication strategies for the production of surgical sutures. Noticeably, advanced nanofiber generation strategies were highlighted. This review further summarized a wide and diverse variety of suture structures and further discussed their different features. After that, we covered the advanced design and development of surgical sutures with multiple functionalizations, which mainly included surface coating technologies and direct drug-loading technologies. Meanwhile, the review highlighted some smart and intelligent sutures that can monitor the wound status in a real-time manner and provide on-demand therapies accordingly. Furthermore, some representative commercial sutures were also introduced and summarized. At the end of this review, we discussed the challenges and future prospects in the field of surgical sutures in depth. This review aims to provide a meaningful reference and guidance for the future design and fabrication of innovative surgical sutures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review article introduces the recent advances of surgical sutures, including material selection, fiber morphology, suture structure and construction, as well as suture modification, functionalization, and even intellectualization. Importantly, some innovative strategies for the construction of multifunctional sutures with predetermined biological properties are highlighted. Moreover, some important commercial suture products are systematically summarized and compared. This review also discusses the challenges and future prospects of advanced sutures in a deep manner. In all, this review is expected to arouse great interest from a broad group of readers in the fields of multifunctional biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Li
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qi Meng
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Shaojuan Chen
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Peixue Ling
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Mitchell A Kuss
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shaohua Wu
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, 250101, China.
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Thai MT, Phan PT, Tran HA, Nguyen CC, Hoang TT, Davies J, Rnjak‐Kovacina J, Phan H, Lovell NH, Do TN. Advanced Soft Robotic System for In Situ 3D Bioprinting and Endoscopic Surgery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205656. [PMID: 36808494 PMCID: PMC10131836 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology offers great potential in the treatment of tissue and organ damage. Conventional approaches generally rely on a large form factor desktop bioprinter to create in vitro 3D living constructs before introducing them into the patient's body, which poses several drawbacks such as surface mismatches, structure damage, and high contamination along with tissue injury due to transport and large open-field surgery. In situ bioprinting inside a living body is a potentially transformational solution as the body serves as an excellent bioreactor. This work introduces a multifunctional and flexible in situ 3D bioprinter (F3DB), which features a high degree of freedom soft printing head integrated into a flexible robotic arm to deliver multilayered biomaterials to internal organs/tissues. The device has a master-slave architecture and is operated by a kinematic inversion model and learning-based controllers. The 3D printing capabilities with different patterns, surfaces, and on a colon phantom are also tested with different composite hydrogels and biomaterials. The F3DB capability to perform endoscopic surgery is further demonstrated with fresh porcine tissue. The new system is expected to bridge a gap in the field of in situ bioprinting and support the future development of advanced endoscopic surgical robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Thanh Thai
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Phuoc Thien Phan
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Hien Anh Tran
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chi Cong Nguyen
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Trung Thien Hoang
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - James Davies
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Jelena Rnjak‐Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Hoang‐Phuong Phan
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Nigel Hamilton Lovell
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Thanh Nho Do
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
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Jing Y, Su F, Yu X, Fang H, Wan Y. Advances in artificial muscles: A brief literature and patent review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1083857. [PMID: 36741767 PMCID: PMC9893653 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1083857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Artificial muscles are an active research area now. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the development of artificial muscles based on research papers and patents. A detailed overview of artificial muscles' scientific and technological innovation was presented from aspects of productive countries/regions, institutions, journals, researchers, highly cited papers, and emerging topics. Results: 1,743 papers and 1,925 patents were identified after retrieval in Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) and Derwent Innovations Index (DII). The results show that China, the United States, and Japan are leading in the scientific and technological innovation of artificial muscles. The University of Wollongong has the most publications and Spinks is the most productive author in artificial muscle research. Smart Materials and Structures is the journal most productive in this field. Materials science, mechanical and automation, and robotics are the three fields related to artificial muscles most. Types of artificial muscles like pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) and dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) are maturing. Shape memory alloy (SMA), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and other novel materials have shown promising applications in this field. Conclusion: Along with the development of new materials and processes, researchers are paying more attention to the performance improvement and cost reduction of artificial muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jing
- Periodicals Agency, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yuan Jing,
| | - Fangfang Su
- School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaona Yu
- Periodicals Agency, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Library, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Wan
- Library, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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Smart textiles using fluid-driven artificial muscle fibers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11067. [PMID: 35773415 PMCID: PMC9247081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The marriage of textiles with artificial muscles to create smart textiles is attracting great attention from the scientific community and industry. Smart textiles offer many benefits including adaptive comfort and high conformity to objects while providing active actuation for desired motion and force. This paper introduces a new class of programmable smart textiles created from different methods of knitting, weaving, and sticking fluid-driven artificial muscle fibers. Mathematical models are developed to describe the elongation-force relationship of the knitting and weaving textile sheets, followed by experiments to validate the model effectiveness. The new smart textiles are highly flexible, conformable, and mechanically programmable, enabling multimodal motions and shape-shifting abilities for use in broader applications. Different prototypes of the smart textiles are created with experimental validations including various shape-changing instances such as elongation (up to 65%), area expansion (108%), radial expansion (25%), and bending motion. The concept of reconfiguring passive conventional fabrics into active structures for bio-inspired shape-morphing structures is also explored. The proposed smart textiles are expected to contribute to the progression of smart wearable devices, haptic systems, bio-inspired soft robotics, and wearable electronics.
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Abstract
In this overview of recent developments in the field of biorobotics we cover the developments in materials such as the use of polyester fabric being used as artificial skin and the start of whole new ways to actuate artificial muscles as a whole. In this, we discuss all of the relevant innovations from the fields of nano and microtechnology, as well as in the field of soft robotics to summarize what has been over the last 4 years and what could be improved for artificial muscles in the future. The goal of this paper will be to gain a better understanding of where the current field of biorobotics is at and what its current trends in manufacturing and its techniques are within the last several years.
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